By Brad Greer

If tonight’s season-opening football grudge match between North Delta and Clarksdale Lee is any indication of the previous two meetings, fans could be in for another contest that goes down to the wire.

The Green Wave has won the last three meetings with Lee including last year’s 19-18 victory in Clarksdale that was not decided until the closing minute of the game when North Delta saftey Brett Herrington made a game saving tackle a potential game-winning two-point conversion with 1:22 remaining in the contest.

North Delta’s other wins included a  28-22 victory in 2010 and 13-3 in 2009. The Colts last victory in Batesville came in 2006 by a score of 21-14.

Green Wave head coach Brandon Ciaramitaro is expecting another hard fought battle between the schools.

“I am looking forward to a physical battle tonight. They do not do anything fancy, they will line up with two wingbacks and a fullback and run straight at you.They also run the triple option. They are mostly power offensive team  that will not thow that ball much,” said Ciaramitaro.

Both teams took part in jamborees last week as North Delta tied Indianola 6-6 before shutting out Marshall 13-0. Lee meanwhile lost 7-6 to Pillow and 6-0 to Washington.

The Colts are led on offense by sophomore quarterback Michael Agostinelli. Senior fullback Bobby Leone along with wingback Cam Monix and Landon Hite will join Agostinelli in the backfield.

Ciaramitaro said the Colts will employ the same “split- four’ defense as North Delta runs. Colby Haynes and Charles Harvey leads the Colt defense.

“They feel like they are the underdog coming into the game and a lot of people have picked us to win. Lee is going to come over here fired up and ready to play,” said Ciaramitaro.

Tyler Pitle will be under center for the Green Wave while Taylor Morris, Austin Hagstrom and Hunter Baker will split time in the backfield.

The North Delta offensive line will consist of Harly Ashby at center, Parker Jones and Hunter Pitcher at left and right tackle while Carter Gant and Bradley Booth hold down the guard slots.

Pirtle’s main targets will be Harrington and Tyler Beard at wideouts and Will Magee at tight end.
 Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.